Kuala Lumpur: The social media giant Meta is in the final stages of securing an Application Service Provider (ASP) Class Licence in Malaysia, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said the parent company of Facebook and Instagram is in the process of completing documentation to fulfil specific legal requirements as part of the licensing process.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi, speaking as a panellist on the RTM’s On The Table programme, with the topic ‘Social Media Licensing in Malaysia: Key Insights and Impact’, disclosed that other platform providers such as Google and X (formerly Twitter) are currently undergoing evaluations to assess their compliance status. He noted that while Google argues it is not a social media platform, the ministry maintains that parts of its YouTube platform, such as YouTube Shorts, function like social media, similar to TikTok.
Fahmi further explained that X has claimed to have less than eight million users in Malaysia, which exempts it from the licensing requi
rement. However, the ministry is currently assessing these claims and continuing engagements to ensure all platforms comply with the guidelines. Discussions are also ongoing with Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, following reports that the platform’s Malaysian user base could exceed eight million in the first quarter of 2025.
The Communications Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to enforcing licensing for platforms that exceed the regulatory user threshold, balancing regulation with freedom of expression and ensuring online safety. He emphasised that the issue is not about freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, but about online safety. Fahmi stated the government’s aim is to provide faster, cheaper mobile-accessible internet while ensuring it is safe, especially for children and families.
Fahmi added that people are free to express themselves but must be mindful not to incite violence or show disrespect to the Malay rulers. He expressed concern about chi
ld safety online, noting that child sexual abuse material was a significant issue encountered in his discussions.